With the looming privatization of its postal savings bank (and let's have it be a real privatization, with open competition for savings), this is Japan's moment.

FORBES: Ebb and Flow

And now there is a criminal probe of Olmert's role in the privatization of Israel's second largest bank when he was finance minister.

NPR: Israeli Army Chief Resigns

In the case of a large bank experiencing difficulties, the government is committed to full privatization by June 2000.

CNN: REFORM IS CRUCIAL

Other privatization projects under way: Israel's largest bank (though free-marketers say this is more symbolic than real).

FORBES: Fact and Comment